Two more Delawareans died from the flu during the weekend, bringing this season's total to five people, health officials said Monday.

The most recent deaths include a 51-year-old Kent County woman and a 55-year-old New Castle County woman, said Jennifer Brestel, a spokeswoman with the Division of Public Health. Both were infected with Influenza A and both had underlying health conditions.

As of Dec. 29, 687 people have been confirmed with the flu, though health officials believe the number is likely higher. There have been 118 hospitalizations.

It often makes people sicker and sometimes causes an intense reaction from the body's immune system, during which the lungs can become inflamed and airways can be blocked.

Common flu symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, headaches and body aches, chills and fatigue, the state said. Those who have the flu should stay home from work and social gatherings until their fever is gone for at least 24 hours.

Doctors say the best way to prevent getting the flu is to get the flu shot. It's important to get vaccinated as early as possible because it takes about two weeks after receiving the vaccine for antibodies that protect against the virus to develop in the body.

For more information about the flu or where to get a vaccine, go to www.flu.delaware.gov or call 800-282-8672.

Contact Meredith Newman at (302) 324-2386 or mnewman@delawareonline.com and on Twitter @MereNewman